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Radicova: SNP Is Reminder of Values Worth Dying for
Sunday 29 August 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Banska Bystrica, August 29 (TASR) - The national commemorative event marking the 66th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in Banska Bystrica on Sunday was attended by President Ivan Gasparovic and Prime Minister Iveta Radicova.
After addressing the event, Gasparovic spoke to the media. "The SNP is one of the significant features of Slovakia's modern history. I'm pleased, therefore, that we haven't forgotten the significance of the SNP for Slovakia and Czechoslovakia after World War II, that we weren't among the defeated but were able to say proudly that we were with those who defeated Fascism," he said.
Gasparovic stated that Slovakia has a long history, but Slovaks often don't appreciate this fact. "We forget that we're an old nation in Europe, that we've achieved many successes and that Slovakia is now really an independent state," he said.
Radicova when briefing journalists noted that she presented Milan Rastislav Stefanik Medals to SNP veterans several days ago as the first premier to do so since the Velvet Revolution (1989). "It was a moving meeting, as I heard from these precious people that this medal is the most valuable award they've received," she said.
Radicova further said that she greatly values the courage of the young people who joined the Uprising. They remind the current generation that "there are values for which we shouldn't only raise our voices but also often lay down our lives".
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